ARGYLE — For the last few years the Orioles have watched the Class of 2022 come through the ranks, eager to see the potential be met. That class, now all juniors, helped lead the way to a second-place finish in the Six Rivers East (15-9, 9-3) last season.
“We return all but one person this year. This group of girls are hard workers and have a high basketball IQ,” said Nicole Allison, now in her third year at the helm. “I have high expectations for our team.”
Argyle returns three all-conference players, including team offensive player of the year and first-team league pick Tori Lantz, who averaged 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Second-team forward Maggie Godfrey (10.5 ppg) was the team’s defensive player of the year and Team MVP last year, and led the conference with 9.3 rebounds per game. Grace Ganshert (9.4 ppg) was honorable mention at guard a year ago.
“Offensively, our strength this season will be the inside threat with Tori Lantz and Maggie Godfrey. We have some good outside threats with Grace Ganshert, Chesney Leigh and Allie Godfrey,” said Allison. “Defensively, we need to continue to work hard and become better in all aspects of defense.”
Others returning to the club include seniors Allie Godfrey and Rachel Gilbertson and juniors Jenna Allison and Leigh. All-conference guard McKenzee Granberg is the lone graduate from a season ago.
“Senior leadership with be key to our success as Rachel and Allie have been varsity players for the last three years,” coach Allison said. “I look to Rachel to be more of a defensive leader this season. She brings an expectation and intensity that will hopefully translate in games.”
Junior Lindsay Connors also joins the roster this year. “She is quick and aggressive. She will provide our team with some energy and speed,” coach Allison said.
With four-time defending conference champion Black Hawk losing some of its top players from last year to graduation, a talented team like Argyle sees an opportunity to step in and make a run at the league title. To do that the coaches need the players to focus on honing in their skills across the board even moreso than in years past.
“We will be focusing on sharpening defensive skills in the full and half court set, and improving our offensive attacks to the rim and outside shooting. We need to make the most of our scoring opportunities.”
Roster depth could be an issue, with just 12 players in the program this season. That means there will only be a varsity team, with no junior varsity games slated for younger and lesser experienced players, which makes practice even more important.
“I will be asking some of the younger players to grow up quickly to contribute at the varsity level, and that will itself be a challenge,” coach Allison said. “I’ve got some fantastic senior leaders this year that will help with getting the younger players acclimated with our system. With an entire summer off due to COVID and a late start to this season for us, we will definitely be coming into this season at a disadvantage.”
Allison sees Black Hawk as the top challenger for a conference crown, with Albany and her squad right there in the mix. “All three squads have a lot of talent on them and kids that play with a lot of heart and intensity,” Allison said. “Our league is competitive, and I never rule out dark-horses like Barneveld and Monticello.”
